ACTi A817 vs ACTi Z810: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A817 and ACTi Z810 are 8MP outdoor zoom dome cameras sharing the same 2.8–12mm varifocal lens range and IP67/IK10 environmental ratings. This comparison is written for installers and IT buyers evaluating which model best fits a specific deployment's power budget, analytics requirements, VMS ecosystem, and on-board storage needs. Specs are drawn directly from manufacturer data; where a specification is absent for one model, that gap is noted explicitly rather than inferred.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras capture 8MP video, but resolution encoding differs in the specs provided: the A817 lists a native capture resolution of 3864×2192 and a maximum frame rate of 30 fps at 4K (3840×2160), while the Z810 specifies 30 fps with no pixel-dimension figure given. The A817's WDR is rated at an explicit 140dB ('Extreme WDR'), whereas the Z810 lists only 'WDR' with no dB value disclosed — a meaningful gap for buyers evaluating high-contrast scenes such as entryways or parking lots under mixed sun and shade.
On low-light performance, the A817 provides concrete figures: color sensitivity of 0.03 lux at 30 IRE and 0 lux in B/W with IR active, with an IR working distance of 40m via adaptive IR LED and a mechanical IR cut filter. The Z810's specs list IR night vision but provide no lux rating, no IR range figure, and no IR cut filter detail — so direct low-light comparison cannot be made from the data on hand. The A817's lens is specified both as 2.8–12mm 3× optical zoom and as 4.3× optical zoom in different spec fields; the Z810 consistently states 4.3× varifocal. Buyers should verify the A817 zoom ratio with ACTi directly.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry IP67 (dust-tight, submersion-resistant) and IK10 (20-joule impact) ratings, making them suitable for vandal-prone or weather-exposed outdoor installations. The operating temperature range differs: the A817 is rated –40°C to 50°C (–40°F to 122°F), while the Z810 extends the upper limit to 60°C — a 10°C advantage that may matter in sun-baked enclosures, rooftop mounts, or equatorial climates. Both cameras bottom out at –40°C.
Power requirements diverge importantly. The A817 requires PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3, meaning your switch or injector must supply 802.3at — standard 802.3af ports will not suffice. The Z810 operates on standard PoE (802.3af), reducing infrastructure cost and broadening switch compatibility. Both use Ethernet connectivity; the A817 specifies a 10/100 Base-T RJ-45 pigtail connector with a 2m cable, while the Z810 specifies a 1-meter cable — a practical detail for conduit and junction-box planning. Mounting options are broader on the A817 (Wall, Pole, Pendant, Rack) versus the Z810 (Ceiling, Wall only per available specs).
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A817 supports ONVIF Profile S, G, Q, T, and M — the broadest current profile set, including Profile G (on-board recording) and Profile M (metadata/analytics). It also carries a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU) enabling on-camera deep learning analytics alongside standard Video Motion Detection. The Z810 is listed as ONVIF Profile S and T compliant, and additionally names explicit VMS compatibility with Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, and AXIS Camera Station — useful for buyers already locked into those platforms. No edge analytics capability is specified for the Z810.
Audio differs in architecture: the A817 supports two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections, enabling integration with intercoms or remote audio monitoring. The Z810 provides a built-in microphone only — no line inputs or audio output are listed. On-board storage, the Z810 specifies a MicroSD card slot; no SD/edge storage is mentioned in the A817 specs. Video compression on the A817 includes H.265 Adaptive Stream, H.264, and MJPEG; the Z810 lists H.265 and H.264 only, with no MJPEG. The A817 also lists a 3-year warranty; no warranty term is specified for the Z810.
Which should you choose: the A817 or the Z810?
Our take: The A817 is the stronger choice when deep-learning edge analytics, two-way audio integration, or explicit 140dB WDR performance are required, while the Z810 is the better fit when standard PoE 802.3af infrastructure, a higher upper operating temperature (60°C vs 50°C), or named VMS compatibility with Milestone, Genetec, or AXIS Camera Station are the deciding constraints. Key spec deltas: the A817 requires PoE+ (802.3at) versus the Z810's standard PoE (802.3af), potentially adding switch upgrade cost; the A817 documents WDR at 140dB and IR range to 40m with lux figures, while the Z810 provides none of those values; and only the Z810 lists a MicroSD card slot for on-board edge recording. Buyers on 802.3af-only infrastructure or Milestone/Genetec/AXIS VMS environments should favour the Z810. Buyers needing DLPU analytics, verified WDR headroom, or two-way audio should favour the A817.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A817 | ACTi Z810 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 8MP (3864×2192) | 8MP (no pixel dimensions specified) |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12mm varifocal | 2.8–12mm varifocal |
| Optical Zoom | 3× (one field) / 4.3× (another field) — verify with ACTi | 4.3× |
| WDR | 140dB Extreme WDR | WDR (no dB value specified) |
| Min Illumination | Color: 0.03 lux @ 30 IRE; B/W: 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Range | 40m | — |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 4K (3840×2160) | 30 fps (no resolution qualifier specified) |
| Video Compression | H.265 Adaptive Stream; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to 50°C | –40°C to 60°C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at) / also lists DC 12V | PoE (802.3af) |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, Q, T, M | S, T |
| Edge Analytics | Deep Learning (DLPU); VMD | — |
| Audio | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | Built-in microphone only |
| Edge Storage | — | MicroSD card slot |
| Mounting Options | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Rack | Ceiling; Wall |
| Warranty | 3 years | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A817 or the Z810?
The A817 is the stronger choice when deep-learning edge analytics, two-way audio integration, or explicit 140dB WDR performance are required, while the Z810 is the better fit when standard PoE 802.3af infrastructure, a higher upper operating temperature (60°C vs 50°C), or named VMS compatibility with Milestone, Genetec, or AXIS Camera Station are the deciding constraints. Key spec deltas: the A817 requires PoE+ (802.3at) versus the Z810's standard PoE (802.3af), potentially adding switch upgrade cost; the A817 documents WDR at 140dB and IR range to 40m with lux figures, while the Z810 provides none of those values; and only the Z810 lists a MicroSD card slot for on-board edge recording. Buyers on 802.3af-only infrastructure or Milestone/Genetec/AXIS VMS environments should favour the Z810. Buyers needing DLPU analytics, verified WDR headroom, or two-way audio should favour the A817.
Is the A817 or Z810 better for low-light performance?
Based on available specs, the A817 is the only model with documented low-light figures: 0.03 lux in color and 0 lux in B/W (IR on), with a 40m IR working distance. The Z810 lists IR night vision but provides no lux sensitivity rating or IR range figure, so a direct comparison cannot be made from spec data alone. Buyers requiring confirmed low-light performance should request Z810 low-light specs from ACTi before deciding.
Do I need to upgrade my PoE switch for either camera?
Yes, for the A817: it requires PoE+ (802.3at), so a standard 802.3af-only switch or injector will not power it. The Z810 operates on standard PoE (802.3af), meaning it will work with the vast majority of existing PoE switches without any infrastructure upgrade — a meaningful cost factor in multi-camera deployments.
Which camera supports on-board video recording without a server?
Only the Z810 lists a MicroSD card slot in the available specifications, enabling local edge recording independent of a server or NVR. The A817 specs do not mention any on-board storage. Additionally, the A817's ONVIF Profile G compliance theoretically supports standardised on-board recording behaviour, but no physical storage medium is listed in its spec sheet.
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